visuvius

iTrader: (4)

I'm looking for some recommendations on which Tamiya to pick up. I've been running a TT02 at the Tamiya track in So Cal and I've really been enjoying it but I think I'm getting to the point of outgrowing it. I was just about to order some aluminum 2.5 degree rear up rights for $25 and I'm realizing I can put that money into a better car. I'm just not sure which one to go with. Mainly, people at the track are recommending a TA05 but I'm having a heck of a time finding "the right one." I'm also hearing "stay away from the the TA06."

So what should I go with? If a TA05, which exact version should I be looking at? There are so many. Finally, what upgrades should I look for on a used one?

BadPanda818

iTrader: (19)

I don't know what track you're planning on racing, but I would recommend the TA06. you mentioned that certain individuals are steering you away from it but I started out with the TA06 for 17.5 GT/TC with great success. There is a little disadvantage from the 06 and that is weight from the rear tranny making it more ideal as a drift chassis with the inline battery compartment. If I were you, see if you can find anyone that would lend you either the TA05/06 and make your decision from there. If you end up with TA06 try getting the rsector, exotek chassis conversion or the MS edition.

CraigMBA

iTrader: (22)

I think my TB03 is the best thing ever.

The TA05 is good too.

visuvius

iTrader: (4)

I was planning on running at Tamiya Aliso Viejo and possibly TQ. It's just that a couple different people now have mentioned to me that the TA06 is more difficult to work on. The TT02 is too simple for me at this point but I don't want my next chassis to be too complex such that I'm discouraged from working on it.

The TB03 is shaft drive right? How does the TB03/04 compare to like a TA05?

BadPanda818

iTrader: (19)

since you said TQ racing, go with the tb04. I have done countless adjustments when I practiced at tq with the 06 and I just keep traction rolling.

Jethroz

iTrader: (54)

From my experiences with a couple TA-05v2 and a TB-03, the TB-03 wins hands down. No grinding required - large range of pinions/spurs will fit with ample working room. Once meshed and seated properly, it has a very smooth and efficient drive-train.

golgi

iTrader: (15)

Have you considered the 417? Now that the 418 is out, relatively reasonably priced used 417's are becoming easier to find.

visuvius

iTrader: (4)

Can someone tell me, just briefly the main differences between like the TA05/06 platform and the 417/418 platform? Is it mainly a weight distribution thing? The latter seems a bit more advanced in terms of tuning options and whatnot and I feel like some of the more experienced racers at the track are running 417s. Like I said the TT02 is too simple but I don't want to be overwhelmed by tuning options and I'd like to do more driving than fixing.

Bah I'm just not sure at this point. LOL I was trying to find one car to focus on and now you guys have got me looking at TA05s, 06s, TB03s, TB04s and 417s. The 417 does look sexy as hell.

golgi

iTrader: (15)

I bought my 417x used a couple months ago and have been very pleased with it. I know that I have more learning to do with the setup but so far it's proven to be a very fast car that is responsive to changes in setup. There is one main mod that I recommend for this car. I kept breaking front c hubs because I'm not used to the car. So, I changed the stock foam bumper to a Parma custom cut foam bumper. The key is to make it the same width as the front outer width. That way all the shock is absorbed by the bumper. I haven't broken a chub since then.

There are a lot of pro setup sheets available for it- http://www.petitrc.com/reglages/tami...miyaTRF417.htm

Also check this page out for setup tips- http://www.petitrc.com/reglages/tami...sAddetive.html

tobyzhang

iTrader: (15)

You can only race TRF chassis in GT1 class so a tub is what you'll want for now. All versions of ta05 are good cars. TB03 I had great success at TA. And yes I do regret selling it. TA06 I haven't seen much of that around but it does look more complex to wrench on. TB03 is more work to wrench on but still reasonable. Try to find a chassis with try shocks, hoped up diffs, and aluminum suspension mounts, and hoped up steering. The rest are not critical.

ZEe_NYC

iTrader: (78)

Hornet

Wade....

iTrader: (2)

TB04 sound like a nice step upward for you. I personally don't like the overly complex TA05/06.

CraigMBA

iTrader: (22)

Just for clarification:

The ta05 has roughly the same drivetrain as a 417/418 - two belts, two diffs, one spur gear mount/lay shaft.

The ta06 has two different transmissions, a couple of lay shafts, a belt, and god knows what else.

The TB04 has an couple of gears, is louder than a tb03, and is very difficult to get enough gear for a 21.5 motored class. Gt2 is fine.

If somebody gave me a ta06 I have no idea what I'd do with it, but I wouldn't race it.

The ta05 has more flex than the tb03, and most feel it's easier to drive.

visuvius

iTrader: (4)

This is all very helpful, thank you.

I think I'm leaning in the direction of a used TA05v2 or a TB03/04 at this point.

So I guess my main decision is shaft drive or belt drive? To be honest that belt kind of scares me. I used to fly RC helicopters and I absolutely hated messing with the belt on those things. I know its apples and oranges but still I don't know if I like the idea of that belt. The shaft drive seems so straightforward to my reptilian brain.

CraigMBA

iTrader: (22)

Belts not a big deal in sedan. Set the tension and go.

A lot of guys hate the shaft drive because they are a little finicky to set up. Even if you do a bad job, it will run okay. If you follow the manual, it will be almost perfect.

To me, the gear drive was never intimidating, but I've set up ring and pinions on 1:1 cars before.